This might seem like an insignificant observation to some, but it is absolutely crucial: Your physical body is essential to your spiritual identity. Without a body, you could not differentiate yourself from any other entity. Everything about your body – your height, weight and stature – contributes to your uniqueness. Ultimately, no matter how much you evolve spiritually, as long as you are alive, you must express yourself through the body you presently occupy, the only body you have had for your entire life. Because the physical body must support the entire duration of your spiritual mission, it must be maintained and conditioned accordingly.

Furthermore, in the exact same way that the body is fundamental to personal existence, the body is also an archetypal symbol of collective consciousness. That is, the body represents that which is most personal and most universal at the same time. Consequently, when you explore the theology of òrìsà lifestyle, you will discover the various body parts as analogous to major principles of life. The sacred texts teach us that the body is synonymous with Creation itself. In the beginning, the body was among the very first masterpieces created by the artist deity, Obàtalà. In fact, artistry was created when Olódùmarè commissioned Obàtalà to mould the first human image (ere eniyan) from clay. As a result, it is customary for the Yoruba to greet pregnant women with the prayer: “Ki Orisa ya ona ire ko ni” (May the Òrìsà - Obàtalà - fashion for us a good work of art).

LIVE THE MEDICINE USER TIPS

Member site: When you join the Orisa Lifestyle Member site, you gain access to 16 lessons on the wisdom of the body, including personal stories, songs, symbols and natural representations.

Fundamentals: In the Fundamentals of Orisa Lifestyle class, you will learn the theological and cultural context for the body, what it symbolizes and how it relates to other elements, all according to the teachings of Ifa.

Retreat: Once you have completed Fundamentals 1B, you can participate in the Orisa Lifestyle retreat, where you can enjoy activities, share your experiences.

Circles: The Orisa Lifestyle retreat will prepare you to facilitate Ijinle Circles, where you enable others in your community to engage in healthy dialogue about the spiritual dimensions of the physical body.